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ANDROID
ISSUE
08
ADVISOR
Android L vs
iOS 8
How Samsung,
Sony, HTC, LG and
Motorola killed
the iPhone 6
Welcome...
I
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Android L vs iOS 8
We see how the latest version of Android performs
against its newly updated rival, iOS 8
Availability
The nal version of iOS 8 launched in September,
while the nished Android L is expected any day
now. You dont have to wait that long to check out
Googles new offering, however if youre running a
Nexus 5 or 7 you can get the developer preview.
To run iOS 8 youll need an iPhone 4s or later, or
iPad 2, iPad mini or later; for Android L youll need
a Google Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 to get the developer
preview, and it will roll out to other devices soon.
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Design
The design of iOS 8 is mostly unchanged from that
of iOS 7, which is no surprise as it was iOS 7 that
brought the major design changes. iOS 8 has that
at design, ditching all signs of skeuomorphism
for minimalism.
This year, its Androids turn for a bit of a design
shake-up. Google has introduced a new Material
Design look for Android, which has also been
offered to developers for use in their Android apps.
Android L brings more depth to the operating
systems appearance using shadows, and also
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Notications
In Android L, youll nd new, enhanced notications.
Youll be able to get see them on your lock screen,
and theyll be automatically listed in priority order.
Swipe them away to dismiss them, or you can
double tap to open them in the relevant app.
Similarly, notications have improved in iOS 8.
Theyre now interactive, so youll be able to reply
to text messages, accept calendar invitations,
snooze reminders and even Like Facebook statuses
youve been tagged in all without having to leave
your current app. You can already swipe them to
automatically go to the relevant app, but you cant
yet swipe to dismiss them (thats new).
Lock screen
As mentioned above, Android L brings a new
lockscreen to its devices. As well as being able
to see notications, youll also be able to swipe
up to unlock, right to launch the dialler or left to
launch the camera.
In iOS 8, the lockscreen is as it was before. Simply
slide right to unlock it or upward to access the
camera. Theres no quick way to access the dialler.
Multitasking
Multitasking in iOS 7 was already pretty good,
but Apple has taken it a step further by adding
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Security
Google has introduced a new personal unlocking
feature that will enable users to unlock their
smartphone or tablet without entering their
passcode, but only when theyre close enough to a
device such as anAndroid Wear smartwatch.
Apple has its Touch ID ngerprint sensor, which is
built-in to the home button of the iPhone 5s. In iOS
7, it was only able to unlock the device or be used
instead of entering Apple ID details, but this will be
opened up to third-party developers with iOS 8 so
users will be able to use their ngerprint to access
other apps such as banking applications.
The wealth of new security features in both
Android L and iOS 8 wont be available to
everybody, of course. If you dont own an iPhone 5s
or an Android Wear smartwatch, you wont be able
to use them.
Battery life
We dont yet know exactly how Android L and iOS
8 will affect the battery life of the devices theyre
running on, but both let you identify how individual
apps are draining power, and to make improvements
based on their consumption. Android L has an
additional battery saving mode, which iOS 8 doesnt.
Google claims that the new battery-saving mode
bundled with Android L will give the Nexus 5 about
90 minutes more battery life.
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Handoff
Also new in iOS 8 is Handoff, a feature thats going
to be a huge bonus for anyone with multiple Apple
devices. Itll mean that, if youve been writing an
email on your way home and have just got in the
door, your Mac will automatically ask whether youd
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Compatibility
Another factor to take into consideration when
comparing these two updates is compatibility. iOS 8
will be able to run on the iPhone 4s or later, the iPad
2 or later and both generations of iPad mini.
Those with Android devices might have more
trouble getting their hands on Android L straight
away. If you own a agship phone or tablet from
Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, Motorola or any other bigname brand you should get the update quite quickly.
Anyone with a Google Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 should
get access to Android L right away.
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Apple or Samsung?
As the two biggest players in the smartphone market,
we consider whether your next smartphone should
be a Samsung Galaxy or an Apple iPhone
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The verdict
If you are in the market for a new smartphone and
have never owned either an iPhone or a Samsung,
rest assured that you are looking at two of the best
brands around. But not the only brands. Samsung
will offer you something at the cheaper end of the
market, but it wont be anything like as good as an
iPhone... or a higher-priced Samsung. And both
brands offer a variety of handsets, but Samsungs
variety stretches wider. Ultimately, work out what you
want from a phone and how much you are prepared
to pay. Then consider the marginal differences
between Android and iOS, and make a decision.
And remember to try before you buy.
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Opinion:
Everybody steals
Did Samsung copy Apple, or did Apple copy Samsung?
And, as the consumer, do we really care, asks David Price
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Opinion:
Childish arguments
Martyn Casserly provides his thoughts on the Apple
vs Samsung and now Microsoft vs Google disputes
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Samsung Galaxy S5 vs
Apple iPhone 6
How do Apple and Samsungs agship smartphones
compare? We nd out
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Design
Whats more important, good looks or durability?
Thats the argument presented by the good-looking
iPhone 6 and the more durable Galaxy S5.
The iPhone 6 retains that luxurious and premium
desirability Apple is so good at, and is both thinner
and lighter than the S5. However, weve seen
nothing to suggest the device is any less delicate
than before, so it will require a case if you want to
avoid wear and tear.
Samsungs use of plastic in its agship
smartphones is something weve criticised for a long
time, but it does at least have the advantage that the
device is less delicate. The Galaxy S5 is also dustand waterproof, which is a bonus.
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Screen
The headline news with the iPhone 6 is a larger
screen. But its 4.7in display is still smaller than the
5.1in panel on the Galaxy S5. The resolution is lower,
too, with the full-HD S5 offering 432ppi and the
750x1334 iPhone 6 topping out at 326ppi.
Apple and Samsung use contrasting screen tech:
the iPhone 6 uses a LED-backlit IPS LCD panel, while
the Galaxy S5 uses Super AMOLED. Both offer great
viewing angles, but the iPhone 6s display looks
more natural than do Samsungs popping colours.
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Storage
The amount of storage
you need will depend
on how you use your
smartphone. Both S5
and iPhone offer 16GB as
standard. While Samsung lets
you boost storage via microSD
(up to 128GB), Apple would
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Other hardware
With the core hardware covered, lets look at
additional features. With the iPhone 6 Apple has
added a few things already found in the S5, such
as 11ac Wi-Fi and NFC; the latter will be used for
ApplePay, which is available only in the US until
sometime next year.
Both phones have a ngerprint scanner built
into the home button, while the Galaxy S5 also
has a heart-rate scanner and an IR blaster.
If you intend to do any 4G roaming, the iPhone 6
supports a greater number of LTE bands.
Cameras
When it comes to photography it may surprise some
that Apple has stuck with an 8Mp iSight camera
on the iPhone 6, although it does now have phase
detection autofocus, digital image stabilisation and
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Software
Software is the key difference between these
two phones. While the iPhone 6 runs iOS 8, the
Samsung Galaxy S5 runs Android KitKat with
Samsungs TouchWiz UI; it will soon be upgraded
to Android L, too. Check out our feature on
page 3 to see how they differ.
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Design
Apple puts a lot of effort into making each iPhone
thinner than the last; the iPhone 6 Plus is 7.1mm,
which is impressive for a phone this size. The Galaxy
Note 4 is not much thicker at 8.5mm, and both weigh
very similar amounts at 172- and 176g respectively.
Either way, youre buying a huge phone. The fact
Apple has moved the power button from the top to
the side on the iPhone 6 Plus is testament to this.
Samsung and Apple normally employ contrasting
use of materials when it comes to phones and
although the Note 4 has a metal edge, it still uses
a faux leather rear cover. The iPhone is still a
combination of glass and aluminium, with an iPadlike rounded shape.
Weve held both phones and the iPhone 6 Plus
is more desirable, but like previous iPhones it feels
delicate. The device will need a case if you dont
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Screen
With its 5.5in display its a huge jump in size for the
iPhone 6 Plus (1.5in bigger when compared to the
iPhone 5s). However, its still not as big as the Galaxy
Note 4 which remains at 5.5in like its predecessor.
Theres no difference in size then, but lets look at
resolution. Not only is the iPhone 6 Plus the biggest
ever, its got the highest resolution and pixel density
of any smartphone Apple has made a display
which it calls Retina HD. It uses a full-HD (1080x1920)
resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 401ppi.
Samsung has opted for a Quad HD resolution
like the LG G3, meaning the Galaxy Note 4 has
1440x2650 pixels and a resulting pixel density of
515ppi. The iPhones screen is still excellent
just not as excellent.
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Storage
As we mentioned earlier, the Galaxy Note 4 is
available in just one model, 32GB. Apple offers
three choices: 16-, 64- and 128GB.
The Note 4 has more storage as standard, plus
it has a microSD slot that lets you add up to 128GB.
If you want that much storage on the 6 Plus youll
pay through the nose for it.
Wireless
The pair are tted with the latest dual-band 11ac WiFi and NFC, although the latter is used by the iPhone
6 Plus only for Apple Pay, and only in the US for now.
While the iPhone 6 Plus has Bluetooth 4.0, the Note
4 has version 4.1. Apples new smartphone supports
more 4G LTE bands, which will
make it better for roaming, but
the Note 4 has faster 4G with Cat
6 (300Mbps) compared to Cat 4
(150Mbps). Bear in mind that these
are just theoretical maximums.
Unique features
With top-end design and core
specs, unique selling points
are becoming more and more
important to differentiate
smartphones. Lets look at what
the iPhone 6 Plus and Note 4
have on offer.
Both phones have a ngerprint
scanner, while the Note 4 adds an
S Pen stylus, heart-rate monitor,
UV sensor and an IR blaster.
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Cameras
The rear-facing camera on the Galaxy Note 4 is
16Mp and comes with Smart OIS (optical image
stabilisation). The HDR mode also offers a live
preview, which is nice touch. Apple has stuck
with the same 8Mp iSight camera, but has made
upgrades, including phase detection auto focus
and optical image stabilisation. The latter isnt
even available on the iPhone 6.
On the video side of things the iPhone 6 Plus has
improved face detection and slow motion video at
240fps twice that of the iPhone 5S plus timelapse video. However, it doesnt shoot video in 4K
quality like the Galaxy Note 4.
Samsung wins on the front camera, with a 3.7Mp
snapper thats also capable of full-HD video. The
iPhone 6 Plus has an improved FaceTime HD
camera, but is 1.2Mp and limited to 720p HD video.
Software
Another key difference between these phones is the
software they run. Check out our feature on page 3
to see the differences between iOS 8 and Android L.
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Coming soon:
Nexus 9 & Nexus X
Its not just phones on which Apple and Google will
compete; both are also lining up their next tablets
HTC Nexus 9
According to rumours, HTC is working
on a Nexus 9 device codenamed
Volantis. Convincing leaked
images reveal a very similar style
and design to the Nexus 7.
Both HTC and Nexus logos
are printed on the back,
which appears to have the
same matt-nish plastic rear cover.
The shape suggests a possible aspect
ratio of 4:3 like the iPad mini which would be a
departure from the 16:9 found on the Nexus 7.
If the rumours are to be believed then for that
money you get an 8.9in display with a 2048x1440
resolution (thats 281ppi), an nVidia Logan Tegra K1
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Motorola Nexus X
The other product thought to be in the pipeline is a
Nexus X phablet, built by Motorola and codenamed
Shamu. Its expected to look like a larger version of
Motorolas agship Moto X, with a 5.9in Quad-HD
(2560x1440, 496ppi) display and a ngerprint reader.
According to rumours the Nexus X will run a
Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 CPU and have 3GB of
RAM, 32GB of storage, plus 13- and 2Mp cameras.
With all the contradictory rumours ying around,
however, its quite possible that Google will launch
both a phablet and a smartphone.
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Samsung Gear VR
Virtual reality headset
Rather than an Oculus Rift rival, the firm has
teamed up with Samsung on the Gear VR. It offers a
96-degree field of view and a touchpad for control.
The price might seem outstandingly affordable but
youll need to slot in a Galaxy Note 4 for it to work.
150 inc VAT
samsung.com/uk
Lenovo Tab S8
Tablet
Lenovos latest effort is a contender for best-value tablet with its sub150 price tag. Not only is it well built, it also comes with decent specs.
Its 8in screen offers 1920x1200 resolution, and there is a 64-bit Intel
Bay Trail-T Atom Android L-ready processor and front-facing speakers.
149 inc VAT
lenovo.com/uk/en
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LG G Watch R
Smartwatch
The hype around the Moto 360 has been monumental, so LG has quite rightly announced its own round
smartwatch. It runs on Android Wear and has almost identical specs to its rivals, which makes the
design the unique selling point. The device will come in black or silver with a leather strap included.
199 inc VAT
lg.com/uk
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Cardboard projector
Smartphone projector
We like simple, cheap and nifty gadgets and
this one ticks all those boxes. The cardboard
smartphone projector does what it says on
the tin, allowing you to project whats on your
phone via the cardboard housing (complete
with retro styling) and an 8x glass lens.
15 inc VAT
firebox.com
Asus ZenWatch
Smartwatch
Asus has joined the smartwatch party with
the ZenWatch. The wearable gadget runs
Googles Android Wear OS, and features
a stainless steel case, leather strap and
1.63in 2.5D curved screen.
199 inc VAT
asus.com/uk
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Asus ZenFone
Smartphone
Announced back in January at CES, Asus has
decided to bring its budget ZenFone range to
the UK. There are three different sizes available
ranging from 4- to 6in. All come with Intel Atom
processors (apart from the 4G model) and
removable rear covers in various colours.
99 inc VAT
asus.com/uk
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Cogito Classic
Smartwatch
Not all smartwatches have
a huge touchscreen and
the Cogito Classic is one of
them. Instead, it looks like
a regular wrist watch, while
providing notifications in the
background when connected
to an iOS or Android device.
Its available in different
colours and is waterproof up
to 100m.
129 inc VAT
cogitowatch.com
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New product:
HTC Desire Eye
HTCs Desire Eye continues the sele craze with
a 13Mp front-facing camera
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New product:
HTC Re camera
This odd-looking device is a rival to the GoPro
and its actually pretty cool
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Review:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
The Tab S 10.5 is poised to take on the iPad Air
and Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, but how does it fare?
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Software
The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat with
Samsungs latest TouchWiz software. It looks just the
Galaxy S5 interface, with the same icons, widgets
and drop-down notication bar.
We like the way recent apps pop up at the bottom
of the screen rather than taking over completely,
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and you can swipe in from the right to access MultiWindow, which lets you run two apps side-by-side.
Another handy item if you have a compatible
Samsung smartphone is SideSync 3.0, which lets
you respond to calls and text messages.
The Magazine UX makes sense only if you use
the built-in email and calendar apps use Googles
alternatives and nothing will appear here, and you
cant remove it.
Runtime is excellent, thanks to a high-capacity
7900mAh battery. In standby it holds its charge
incredibly well, and even when used to watch video
youll get around 12 hours playback from the Tab S.
Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is one of Samsungs best ever
tablets. It has a thin and light design, although there
is still too much plastic. Hardware is decent, with
an impressive display and great battery life. Its got
pretty much everything you could want in a tablet,
and it is priced competitively against its key rivals.
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Review:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsungs baby Tab S is the best new
tablet weve seen in 2014
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Software
Alongside Android 4.4.2 KitKat Samsung has
preinstalled TouchWiz. As we mentioned in our
review of the Tab S 10.5, this is not our favourite
mobile OS overlay. However, it has both good
and bad points, and whether you like it will largely
come down to personal taste.
This interface mirrors that of the Galaxy S5,
with the rms own icons, widgets and dropdown notication bar. We like the Multi-Window
multitasking functionality, and the Recent apps
menu pleasingly wont take over the entire screen.
SideSync 3.0 is also useful when paired with a
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Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is one of the best
Android tablets ever made. In hardware terms its the
best you can buy right now, and the design is very
thin and light. There is very little not to like here, and
only the lower price of the Nexus 7 might sway you.
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Review:
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0
The Galaxy Tab 4 is a great device, but it needs a price
drop to truly compete with its rivals
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Verdict
Even though the Tab 4 8.0 is cheaper than the
Galaxy Tab S and Tab Pro tablets, its expensive
when compared to its rivals.
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Review:
Tesco Hudl 2
Tescos original Hudl was one of the bestselling tablets
last Christmas, so how does its successor live up?
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Hardware
Several hardware upgrades are evident, and most
pleasingly to the screen. Not only larger now 8.3in
it has an impressive full-HD (1920x1080) resolution.
The display is bright, offers good viewing angles
and nice colours. With a pixel density of 272ppi
everything looks crisp. At this price, you absolutely
cannot fault the Hudls screen.
Tesco claims that the Hudl 2 is three times faster
than its predecessor. This is thanks to an Intel Atom
quad-core processor clocked at 1.83GHz. Tesco has
also doubled the amount of RAM to 2GB.
Geekbench 3 didnt show this three-times
improvement, but an increase from 1371- to 2165
points is very good. Graphics are also improved, with
GFXBenchs T-Rex test turning in 17fps (the original
managed 5fps). Java performance, too: SunSpider
turned in 768ms against the original Hudls 1397ms.
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Software
The Tesco Hudl 2 runs the most recent version
of Android, KitKat 4.4, and the platform is largely
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Verdict
The cameras are still not great, but in almost every
area the Tesco Hudl 2 has been improved and its
still a bargain at 129 or even less with Clubcard
Boost. The software is good, but it takes up valuable
storage space, and non-Tesco customers wont get
the most out of it. A great screen, decent processor
and microSD card slot make this an excellent tablet.
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Software
Sony has done little to tweak the Android KitKat
interface and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact looks
much like previous Xperia devices, with Sony styling
and apps such as Walkman.
There is one key new feature which will set
gamers hearts racing, though. Like the Xperia Z3
and Z3 Compact smartphone, the tablet includes
support for PS4 Remote Play. This means you can
play PS4 games on the tablet over Wi-Fi with a
DualShock 4 controller. Sony will sell an optional
GCM10 Game Control Mount to create a sort of
make shift handheld console.
Verdict
Its great to see Sony nally make a smaller tablet,
and the 8in form factor is proving increasingly
popular. The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is superthin and -light, and waterproof to boot. Hardware is
decent but not mind-blowing, so rivals such as the
Galaxy Tab S offer more in the way of gadgetry. PS4
Remote Play will appeal to gamers.
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Review: Leapfrog
LeapPad3 and XDi Ultra
These tablets are specically built for kids, but are they
worth buying over a standard Android tablet?
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Design
Thankfully both tablets are not overly childish in
design, unlike some of their competitors, and are
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Setup
The LeapPads are easy to set up, and link via your
computer to the Leapfrog App Centre, which holds
over 500 purchasable apps and games.
Parents set up the LeapPad for their children by
starting a free Parent Account at Leapfrog.com.
You can set up to three proles so that one
LeapPad can be used by more than one child. This
means that children of different ages or abilities will
have the apps and games set to their prole rather
than one-size ts all.
Having more than one LeapPad can also be fun
as there are peer-to-peer games that can be played
between tablets.
Once set up all the apps are easy for kids to get
to grips with, being walked through gameplay so
parents shouldnt need to sit with their child all the
time they are playing. In fact, the children wont want
you cramping their play, and as all the software is
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With LeapSearchs parental tools, including a fourdigitsecuritycode, parents are in control of what
their child is able to access using their LeapPad.
LeapSearch is very much a closed environment
of pre-approved, whitelist YouTubevideoand site
content. An example of an approved website is
PBS Kids. Over 200 parents and teachers review
the content available on Zui, and Leapfrogs team
of learning experts have to review and approve
all web andvideocontent available on the Ultra.
It isupdated on a weekly basis to ensure content
is kept fresh.
But if youre expecting thousands of web pages
to browse youll likely be disappointed. You cant
access CBeebies or the Disney sites, for instance.
And the videos on offer, although educational or
fun, arent as good as those you might nd on an
unconstrained internet.
Most of the content right now is photos or videos
of animals, and theres no search, which makes the
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Specs
Both LeapPads now feature more cost-efficient
rechargeable batteries the older LeapPad2 used
to rely on endless AA batteries. Battery life is
around six hours for the LeapPad3 and eight
hours for the Ultra XDi.
The LeapPad3 has 4GB of storage for apps,
photos, videos and music. The Ultra XDi has twice
this at 8GB. If making videos is going to be an
important part of your LeapPad activity then the
extra storage makes sense, although you can of
course transfer photos and videos taken with the
tablet to your laptop or PC.
Leapfrog says 4GB is enough to store 20,000
photos, which sounds like more than enough, even
for a tap-and-snap-crazy child.
The LeapPad3s 5in touchscreen has a resolution
of 480x272 pixels. The larger Ultra XDi has a 7in
backlit screen measuring 1024x600 pixels, and
offers easier gameplay, although the smaller
screen is not cramped.
Other technical specications you probably dont
need to bother too much about include processor
speed. Weirdly the Ultras 800MHz chip speed is
slower than the LeapPad3s 1GHz.
All the games and apps come with annoying
(to adults) music and sound effects so the volume
controls are a godsend, as is the headphone jack.
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Verdict
The specially built-for-kids LeapPad3 and LeapPad
Ultra XDi are similar in specs and functionality. The
larger 7in Ultra XDi has twice the storage as the 5in
LeapPad 3, but younger children may prefer the
3s smaller size and weight. We think their upperage range is seven rather than Leapfrogs claimed
nine, but our eight-year-old tester still enjoyed her
time with both. While the hardware is cheaper than
normal tablets, note that the software can be more
expensive. The advantage of Leapfrog software is
that, while not as cheap as normal mobile apps, it
has been built by educational PhDs with both fun
and learning in mind. With its whitelist web browsing
its safer online than most adult tablets, although
its limited in its scope from that point of view. The
LeapPads are bestsellers every year and the latest
models build on an award-winning and popular
formula without any huge leaps forward in terms of
design or functionality.
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Review:
Motorola Moto G 2014
The best ever budget phone has been updated for 2014,
and its still one of the best deals around
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Performance
Oddly, Motorola hasnt upgraded the processor. The
Snapdragon 400 quad-core chip runs at 1.2GHz and
has the Adreno 305 graphics processor. That means
performance is the same which is to say very
good, especially at this low price.
In Geekbench 3 we saw an average score of
340- (single-core) and 1144 (multi-core) points. These
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Wi-Fi is at least dual-band, so will work with dualband routers that support 5- as well as 2.4GHz.
Compared to the single rear-facing speaker
of the original Moto G, the new front-facing
speakers are superb. Theres no need to turn
up the volume so much since the audio is directed
straight at your ears.
Theyre not great for music, but when playing
games and watching videos on YouTube or iPlayer,
youll really appreciate both the stereo separation
and the decent quality.
Cameras
The mediocre cameras have been upgraded, with
an 8Mp sensor at the rear and 2Mp at the front. As
before theres an LED ash at the back.
Video is still captured at only 720p, which is
strange as 8Mp is more than enough for 1080p.
We found still image quality much better than
video. One slight disappointment is that the images
from our test Moto G werent sharp to the edges of
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the frame. For the most part you wont notice this,
but its easy to spot when you zoom in on photos.
Instead of using Googles own Camera app you
get Motorolas. This is easy to use and includes
Panorama and HDR modes. You can tap to focus,
and tap and hold to take photos in burst mode.
The HDR mode can be auto, on or off. This can
make a huge difference in the right circumstances.
Its worth bearing in mind that the app defaults
to 16:9 photos, which crops the top and bottom and
uses only 6Mp of the sensors resolution. If you want
the full 8Mp switch to 4:3 mode, which returns those
top and bottom sections.
Video lacks detail, even considering the 720p
limit. Its not as jerky as some phones weve tested
recently, but theres no optical stabilisation either.
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Software
One of the benets of buying a Motorola
smartphone is that in essence you get plain
Android, with nothing in the way of manufacturerimplemented overlays and customisations. Motorola
has also guaranteed an upgrade to the new Android
L mobile OS when it launches later this year, but for
now the Moto G ships with KitKat 4.4.4.
Its worth noting that there are no hardware- or
touch-sensitive buttons the usual Android trio
are found onscreen, and in some apps such as the
Camera you have to swipe to display them.
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Verdict
With a bigger screen, much better speakers and
improved cameras, the new Moto G is a great
budget smartphone. The lack of support for 4G will
be a deal-breaker for some, though. It isnt without
its rivals, but if youre specically looking for a
budget dual-SIM Android phone, its a good choice.
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Review:
HTC Desire 610
A mid-range successor to the One M8,
the Desire 610 has got a lot going for it
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Verdict
The HTC Desire 610 will appeal to anyone looking
for a reasonably priced and good all-round
smartphone. Its HTC Sense software is sleek and
easy to use, and youll be satised with the battery
life. We really enjoyed our time with the HTC Desire
610 and have few qualms other than the large bezels
and slightly disappointing display.
But while the HTC Desire 610 is a very good
phone when considered on its own, bring into
the picture the Nexus 5 and Motorola Moto G
and it becomes difficult to recommend. The latter
offers a 90 saving and very few sacrices, while
Googles handset costs an extra 60 but has a faster
processor, a better display and more.
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Review:
HTC Desire 816
If you can grab this phone for around
200 you wont be disappointed
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Hardware
Theres another compromise: processing power.
The 816 has a Snapdragon 400 processor: four
cores running at 1.6GHz and backed by 1.5GB of
RAM. It feels zippy enough in general use, but its
no match for the Nexus 5 or OnePlus One with their
much speedier chips.
Its the same story for graphics: the Desire could
manage only 11fps in GFXBench T-Rex, but the other
two phones deliver smooth 24fps-plus gameplay.
Our review model didnt have NFC (HTC says this
is an optional feature), nor does the 816 benet from
802.11ac Wi-Fi its limited to 802.11n, and 2.4GHz
not 5GHz. Theres GPS, though, and Bluetooth 4.0.
A small bonus is that it supports aptX for better
Bluetooth audio streaming if you have a compatible
speaker system.
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Verdict
Like HTCs 610, the Desire 816 sits awkwardly
between other smartphones in terms of price, with
rivals including the OnePlus One, Nokia Lumia 1320
and Nexus 5. You wont be disappointed if you can
nd one around 200.
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Review:
Sony Xperia T3
Need a bigger screen? Sonys T3 is a good phablet
thats available at a reasonable price
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Verdict
The Xperia T3 is a good but not great smartphone,
which will suit those wanting a large screen
smartphone without spending loads of cash. It
delivers on this, but you should also consider
the slightly smaller 299 Nexus 5 for improved
performance and a better screen, or even Sonys
own 6.4in Xperia Z Ultra.
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Review:
Samsung Galaxy S5 mini
A more compact version of the Galaxy S5, the S5 mini
also has some slimmed-down specs
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if that does mean sound is muffled from the rearfacing speaker, while its extra width makes up for the
reduced weight in securing a grip.
At 4.5in this phones display is hardly tiny, but the
0.6in between S5 and S5 mini is noticeable.
Because Samsung uses a Super AMOLED
panel, the S5 minis 720p HD panel is much betterlooking than most. Its colours are bright and vivid,
and the phones 326ppi pixel density is still up
there in what Apple terms Retina quality (indeed,
it has the same pixel density as both the iPhone 5s
and HTC One mini 2). Text is sharp and clear, and
viewing angles are good.
Verdict
The S5 mini is a decent Android phone, but
it struggles to justify its price. The dust- and
waterproof casing is a nice touch, but the
heart-rate monitor and ngerprint scanner are
welcome but not essential additions.
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Review:
Asus Fonepad 7 LTE
If you need a 7in tablet that can make phone calls
this could be it. But do you really need that?
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offers a at, simple and colourful interface with easyto-understand icons and nicely designed apps.
We were impressed by the battery life, too. Asus
claims that itll last for 11-and-a-half hours of constant
use, or 735 hours in standby. Our test unit managed
four days between charges, and in that time we used
it to take photographs, record video, browse the
web, make phone calls and run apps. Its got a 15Wh,
non-removable battery.
Verdict
For anyone looking for a 7in tablet that can make
phone calls, the Asus Fonepad 7 LTE is worth a look,
though, were not convinced anyone would want to.
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Review:
ZTE Blade L2
If youve not got much money to spend on a phone
the ZTE is attractive, but you could do better
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Verdict
The Blade L2 has a lot to offer at just 89, with a
quad-core processor, a large screen and support
for microSDXC. But while it may be faster than the
Motorola Moto E, in many respects the ZTE is the
inferior phone and even gets shown up by the
signicantly cheaper ZTE Kis 3.
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